National News – Page 356 – Windhoek Observer

14 Nov

Traditional leaders are responsible for cultural preservation

National News

Niël Terblanché The 24th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders will focus on the significance of preserving Namibia’s cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and addressing challenges within traditional communities for a united and prosperous country. Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba officially opened the meeting on behalf of President Hage Geingob. The gathering focused on preserving cultural heritage, economic revitalization, and resolving issues related to traditional authority in the country. In his address, Mbumba stressed the crucial role of traditional leaders in preserving and promoting Namibia’s culture and heritage. He cited the Namibian Constitution, which mandates the Council of…

14 Nov

The development of new products and routes must boost tourism

National NewsThe development of new products and routes must boost tourism

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has stressed the importance of developing new products and routes across the country to extend tourism economic activities to all regions. Shifeta made this statement during the announcement of the new board members of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), scheduled for the period from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2026. Highlighting key focus areas, Shifeta stated that the agenda should include the creation of cultural heritage tourism products, popularising Namibian gastronomy experiences, and implementing marketing initiatives in transfrontier conservancy areas. He expressed the government’s intent to diversify into…

14 Nov

NWR urges new graduates to believe in their credentials

National News

Martin Endjala Namibia Wildlife Resort Managing Director, Matthias Ngwangwama has urged the new hospitality graduates to believe in their qualifications and not to be discouraged by critics. “To all our graduates, what you achieved today is historic. You must truly believe deep down in your heart that you have an accredited qualification that gives you hope. Do not be put off by criticisms that your qualifications are not useful,” he said. Ngwangwama said this yesterday at the first NWR hospitality institute graduation ceremony held at Gross Barmen Resort, where he stated that there are still ample opportunities in the tourism…

14 Nov

Indian Navy strengthens maritime security ties with Namibia

National NewsIndian Navy strengthens maritime securityties with Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a demonstration of India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering friendly relations, the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha paid a port call to Walvis Bay.The visit started last week Friday and the vessel and its crew departed yesterday and forms part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic.According to a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defence, the port call at Walvis Bay signifies the warm ties between India and Namibia. It also underscores India’s solidarity with friendly nations in the region.During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sumedha conducted…

13 Nov

Verification process delays census payments

National NewsVerification process delays census payments

Stefanus Nashama In response to criticism from the United People’s Movement (UPM) regarding unpaid census field staff, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) clarified last week that payments are subject to multiple verifications before they are released. This rigorous verification process is in place to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance with standard procedures while minimizing errors. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General, explained that payments are disbursed on a regional basis, with each region undergoing thorough verification. The verifications encompass several aspects, including the condition of returned equipment, contract content validation, bank account details, rectification of previous payment errors or deductions, tax certificates,…

13 Nov

Namibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

National NewsNamibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

Niël Terblanché Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, announced the launch of several vital healthcare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, quality, and safety throughout Namibia. The minister stressed the government’s commitment to continuously improving the healthcare system in Namibia. He outlined the need for adaptable tools, including policies, guidelines, and plans, to ensure that health workers can provide methodical and high-quality healthcare services as disease burdens evolve. One of the key initiatives unveiled during the event in Windhoek last week was the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). The NSOAP addresses the challenges related…

13 Nov

NamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

National NewsNamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

Niël Terblanché As the festive season draws near, a concerning rise in incidents of child neglect and abuse has prompted the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) to issue a stern warning to parents and guardians. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Public Relations Division of the Namibian Police, in a special message, requested parents to guard their children against various dangers during this period. She said that there has been a disturbing increase in crimes against children. She added that these incidents range from neglect and abuse to sexual assault, with many children falling victim to crimes perpetrated by…

13 Nov

Namibia’s economic problems are far from over

National NewsNamibia’s economic problems are far from over

Martin Endjala Popular Democratic Movement parliamentary member Nico Smit says that Namibia’s economic problems are far from over, hence he calls on his parliamentary counterparts to take care of fundamental problems of the country to avoid going back to square one. “The economic performance of the past two years makes it appear that we have overcome all the problems but that is far from the truth. The underlying trouble is still there, and as I will indicate later, the current uptick will not last. If we do not take care of the fundamental problems in our economy, in another two…

13 Nov

Cabinet approves revised national housing policy and implementation action plan

National News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the revised National Housing Policy and Implementation Action Plan and related estimated financial implications to enable improved access to housing, and inclusive and sustainable economic development. This was announced last week Thursday by the Cabinet spokesperson and Information Communications and Technology Minister Peya Mushelenga, following the Cabinet Decision during its 19th Decision-making meeting on 7 November 2023 in Windhoek. Mushelenge said that the cabinet further endorsed the mechanisms contained in the revised policy to ensure the optimal attainment of its objectives. These mechanisms have a special focus on nationwide upgrading of informal settlements and…

13 Nov

Paratus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

National NewsParatus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

Staff Writer Namibian-owned Pan-African firm Paratus has secured a major debt facility to accelerate the company’s growth in digital infrastructure across Africa. Paratus has obtained a N600 million debt facility from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and its fund manager, Ninety One. The financial injection is earmarked for expanding Paratus’ fibre and data centre operations over the next three years. The funds are set to facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art 10MW data centre in Angola. Additionally, they will support the development of three new fibre routes, connecting strategic locations…